News » Cumberland University

LEBANON, Tenn. – Cumberland University was tied for fifth in the West Division in the 2015 Mid-South Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll announced Wednesday by the league office.

The Bulldogs and third-year head coach Donnie Suber were tied with Bethel University for the final spot in the West Division. CU finished 6-5 overall but 2-3 in the MSC West last season, dropping its final three games of the season.

Cumberland returns 35 letterwinners and six starters on both sides of the ball but must replace senior quarterbacks Reed Gurchiek and Broc Loveless, who accounted for 952 rushing yards and 1,511 passing yards along with 27 total touchdowns in 2014.

Junior linebacker Nathan Jernigan, a First Team All-Mid-South performer last season, returns after leading the club with 99 tackles along with 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Another junior and First Team All-MSC selection a year ago, junior Justus Dauscha ranked ninth nationally with 9.5 sacks and 24th in tackles for loss with 16.0.

Campbellsville University and Reinhardt University tied for the top spot in the West Division, each receiving two first-place votes, while Faulkner University and Lindsey Wilson tied for third, each with one first-place vote. Lindsey Wilson won the Mid-South East Division last season and reached the quarterfinals of the NAIA Playoffs.

Georgetown College picked up five first-place votes and 25 total points for first place in the MSC East, with the University of Pikeville in second and the University of the Cumberlands in third. UC also received the remaining first-place vote in the East Division. Kentucky Christian, Union College and Bluefield College round up the East voting.

Cumberland opens the season at home against Georgetown College on September 5 and also faces Pikeville, the Cumberlands and Kentucky Christian from the East Division as well as its five West Division opponents this season.